Singapore, December 2, 2025 – Over 500 leaders gather at Suntec for a fireside chat and celebration marking six decades of enterprise
Singapore’s business community came together on 21 November 2025 for a landmark celebration that blended cultural festivities with strategic dialogue on the future of the nation’s economy.
Co-hosted by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the SG60 Deepavali Celebration was held at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, drawing more than 500 government leaders, industry captains, and entrepreneurs.
Under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Strength in Business”, and the tagline “60 Years of Bridging Cultures, Diversity and Business,” the evening paid tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped define modern Singapore — while spotlighting the growing role of purposeful collaboration in securing its future.
Highlights
A Celebration of Purposeful Partnerships
The collaboration between SICCI and SMF — two of Singapore’s oldest and most respected business chambers — sent a powerful message about unity and forward-thinking leadership.
“SG60 is more than a milestone in years — it is a reminder of the collective resilience and adaptability that have defined Singapore’s success,” said Mr Neil Parekh, Chairman of SICCI. “Over the decades, SICCI and SMF, alongside other Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), have been vital partners in helping industries grow, nurturing enterprises, and fostering collaboration across sectors”.
He added that the celebration reflected how purposeful alliances could shape Singapore’s enterprise landscape and called on the business community to “continue creating a brighter future for our citizens as we celebrate SG60”.
SMF President Mr Lennon Tan reinforced the importance of Singapore’s cultural intelligence and collaborative spirit in sustaining its economic strength:
“This partnership goes beyond our organisations. It’s about leveraging our collective power to create opportunities for businesses, linking diverse industries, and boldly shaping a future built on our shared foundation.”
Innovation and Foresight: A Fireside Chat with Mr Heng Swee Keat
A key highlight of the evening was a fireside chat titled “Perspectives on Singapore’s Economy in the Next Era”, featuring Mr Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation. In a candid and forward-looking dialogue moderated by Professor Annie Koh, Mr Heng emphasised the need to enhance Singapore’s innovation ecosystem while building deeper public-private partnerships.
“Collaboration is the new competition in this world of geopolitics and tech divide,” he said, urging Singapore’s enterprises to embrace agility and foresight amid a volatile global environment.
Mr Neil Parekh, in his opening to the session, highlighted the topic as central to Singapore’s progress:
“Innovation fuels productivity and resilience, while partnership ensures these advances take root across industries and borders. TACs serve as bridges between enterprises, government, and global markets”.
He called on participants to move beyond ideas into action, saying:
“Let us identify new areas for partnership between the public and private sectors, and strengthen our collective readiness for the next phase of globalisation — driven by collaboration, digitalisation, and a greater focus on sustainability”.
Presidential Reflections and a Multicultural Celebration
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the event as Guest of Honour, unveiling a commemorative SG60 publication chronicling six decades of enterprise, resilience, and partnership.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Parekh offered sincere thanks to President Tharman for his support of Singapore’s business chambers:
“Mr President, your leadership and vision remind us that our nation’s strength lies not only in our economic performance, but in our unity, inclusiveness, and sense of purpose”.
He also emphasised the vital roles played by economic agencies such as Enterprise Singapore, MTI, EDB, and SkillsFuture, noting that:
“When we work together, we can safeguard the progress of every enterprise, regardless of size, and position our industries to prosper in a world that is becoming more complex and interconnected”.
The evening culminated in a vibrant Deepavali Gala Dinner, complete with curated performances, festive ambience, and shared cuisine, celebrating the rich tapestry of Singapore’s multicultural identity while providing a meaningful platform for cross-cultural business networking.
Looking Ahead: Unity in Diversity, Strength in Business
The SG60 Deepavali Celebration was more than a tribute — it was a forward-looking statement. It reaffirmed the values of collaboration, cultural diversity, and enterprise as essential for Singapore’s next chapter.
As Trade Associations and Chambers continue to bridge sectors and communities, their collective efforts — aligned with public sector vision — will play a vital role in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy that thrives in a connected world.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here.
